Building a Culture of Peace: The Heart of Enditnow

            When you think about church, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s worship, fellowship, or community service. But there’s something deeper we need to talk about—creating spaces where everyone feels truly safe. That’s why Family Ministries is so passionate about joining Women’s Ministries and other ministries of the Church to build a culture of non-violence throughout the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

            Here’s the thing: violence doesn’t just happen “out there” in the world. It can seep into our most sacred spaces—our homes, our churches, even our ministry practices. And when it does, it contradicts everything we stand for as Christians. Jesus modeled gentleness, compassion, and respect for every person’s dignity. He never used His power to dominate or control. Instead, He lifted-up the vulnerable, protected the marginalized, and taught us to love even our enemies. 

            Creating a culture of non-violence starts in our families. Home should be the safest place on earth, yet for too many people, it’s where they experience hurt and fear. When we promote healthy, respectful relationships within families, we’re not just preventing harm—we’re showing what God’s love looks like in action. Children who grow up seeing respect and kindness learn to offer that to others. Spouses who treat each other with dignity model what Christian marriage truly means. 

            But it can’t stop there. Our churches must be sanctuaries in every sense of the word. When someone walks through our doors carrying the weight of abuse or violence, they need to find help, not judgment. They need to encounter a community that takes their safety seriously. Our ministry processes should reflect this commitment too—how we handle conflicts, how we train leaders, how we respond when someone comes forward with their story. 

            This is exactly why enditnow is so crucial. Launched by the Adventist Church to address abuse in all its forms—domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking—enditnow isn’t just another program. It’s a movement that calls us to live out our faith authentically. Every fourth Sabbath in August, churches worldwide participate in enditnow emphasis day, but honestly, once a year isn’t enough. 

            We need to talk about these issues regularly because silence protects perpetrators and isolates victims. When we promote enditnow throughout the year, we send a powerful message: abuse has no place here, survivors will be believed and supported, and we’re committed to prevention through education and awareness. 

            The world is watching how Christians respond to violence. In a society where abuse statistics are staggering and many institutions have failed survivors; we have an opportunity—and an obligation—to do better. By championing non-violence in our families, churches, and communities, we become a living testimony of God’s justice and mercy. 

            This isn’t about being political or trendy. It’s about being faithful to the gospel. It’s about protecting the vulnerable, as Jesus did. It’s about creating communities where every person can flourish without fear.

             So, let’s keep enditnow at the forefront. Let’s make our Adventist churches known as places where peace isn’t just preached—it’s practiced. 

AUGUST 23, 2025

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER”

The Bible teaches us to care for and show respect to aging people. In some cultures, it is a must, but, unfortunately, in others, it is a forgotten value. The elderly are often ignored, mocked, pushed to life’s margins, or left to themselves by their children and friends. This is not how God planned it to be. Let us refresh our knowledge on this issue and advocate for respect, care, and the involvement of elderly people in our lives.